Mayor entangled in letters row

CORPORATORS HAVE raised objections to he state government’s move allowing themunicipal commissioner to spend up to Rs 1 crore for any project without
their sanction, under his discretionary powers. They argue that this would
substantially dilute their powers and allow officials to run the administration
according to their whims. At present, the municipal commissioner can allocate
up to Rs 10 lakh for a single project on his own. Talking toHT,mayor Dattaram
Dalvi has condemned the state government for trying to interfere with the civic functioning. “Before any policy declaration, he state should first consult all
elected representatives. The mayor should get equal powers like the commissioner,” said Dalvi. Till 1998, the municipal commissioner was allowed to allot Rs 3 lakh for any project on his discretion. The sum was subsequently increased to Rs 10 lakh
during the mayor-in-council system. The decretory powers under Section 69 C have always caused heartburn with the corporators, specially the Standing Committee
members, who pass contracts worth Rs 100 crore annually. NCP corporator Ravindra
Pawar called the proposal faulty. “Any proposal should be first debated and then passed. All committees and even the general body will get lose its value if
such arbitrary power is given,” said Pawar. Corporators would soon meet the Chief Minister to dissuade him from this move.

Tags

Political Affairs

Note: Please visit the Newspaper's Website to Print the contents of the article